Berry College senior Elliot Echols was recently elected chairman of the Georgia Association of College Republicans – bringing him one step closer to his political aspirations.

Echols, who is from Rome, Ga., said he would like to work at the state Capitol one day, so being elected at a ceremony in the Senate chambers was definitely on his to-do list.

“This opportunity will help me become a better leader, preparing me for a career in the armed services and politics. It’s getting me ready for my future,” said Echols, an economics major who also works as a student assistant in the President’s Office. The former head of the Berry College Republicans also helped bring Georgia National Guard Adjutant General William T. Nesbitt to speak on Veterans Day at the college.

In line with Berry’s hands-on tradition, Echols intends to visit every chapter in the state during his tenure, including the largest chapter in the nation at the University of Georgia. Founded in 1996, the group’s goal is to educate college students about the conservative movement and elect Republican leaders as a state federation affiliate of the College Republican National Committee. Echols’ role on the executive board will include raising money for Republican candidates and increasing membership.